1
as in to moisten
to make or become slightly or moderately wet
dampen a paper towel with water and use it to clean up the mess
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to reduce
to reduce or weaken in strength or feeling
the oppressive heat dampened our spirits
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to undermine
to deprive of emotional or intellectual vitality
nothing could dampen their enthusiasm
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of dampen
Some have asked whether the experience of Desert Warrior may dampen Saudi Arabia’s film interests.
—
Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 13 May 2026
But a poor platform season could dampen Chisholm’s market.
—Chris Kirschner, New York Times, 12 May 2026
Recent hotel booking reports have dampened expectations on the number of visitors to Kansas City, but some lawmakers remain optimistic about the investment.
—Jack Harvel, Kansas City Star, 12 May 2026
Rain and inclement weather failed to dampen the hopes of the first-year Flanagan track coach Jaysha Carter at the FHSAA 4A state track and field finals at Hodges Stadium at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville on Saturday evening.
—Gary Curreri, Sun Sentinel, 10 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for dampen
Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 13 May 2026
But a poor platform season could dampen Chisholm’s market.
—Chris Kirschner, New York Times, 12 May 2026
Recent hotel booking reports have dampened expectations on the number of visitors to Kansas City, but some lawmakers remain optimistic about the investment.
—Jack Harvel, Kansas City Star, 12 May 2026
Rain and inclement weather failed to dampen the hopes of the first-year Flanagan track coach Jaysha Carter at the FHSAA 4A state track and field finals at Hodges Stadium at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville on Saturday evening.
—Gary Curreri, Sun Sentinel, 10 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for dampen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dampen
Verb
-
Placing a dish of water nearby provides humidity, as does using a spray mister to moisten the surface of the soil.—
Peg Aloi,
The Spruce,
12 May 2026
-
Users place the pouch between the gum and upper lip, where saliva moistens it and releases nicotine.—
Fran Kritz,
Verywell Health,
12 May 2026
Verb
-
Eco effort The hotel employs single-stream recycling and green housekeeping practices, and also has a green roof ecosystem to reduce the building’s heat load.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
19 May 2026
-
New research suggests these medications, best known for managing diabetes and driving weight loss, may also reduce the severity of one of the most common and underdiagnosed sleep disorders in the country.—
Allison Palmer,
Sacbee.com,
18 May 2026
Verb
-
Future decisions embracing those limits could further undermine the landmark voting law, long considered the crown jewel of the civil rights movement, and hamper the ability of voting rights groups and individual voters to file lawsuits alleging violations of the measure.—
Melissa Quinn,
CBS News,
18 May 2026
-
Sandweg said one of the director's most underappreciated responsibilities is managing that internal fault line, ensuring that ERO's highly visible arrest operations do not undermine HSI's ability to cultivate the confidential informants and foreign partnerships on which its work depends.—
Philip Wang,
Time,
18 May 2026
Verb
-
Most earwig problems begin outside, where damp piles of leaves, firewood or other debris create an attractive environment for the insects.—
Dan Simms,
USA Today,
15 May 2026
-
Carpenter ants and wood-boring beetles are also common, especially in older homes and damp crawl spaces.—
Ryan Brennan
May 15,
Charlotte Observer,
15 May 2026
Verb
-
Page cited a combination of federal funding cuts, skyrocketing health care costs, diminishing enrollment and more behind the budget constraints, while local teachers cited local investment issues as well.—
Boston Herald editorial staff,
Boston Herald,
19 May 2026
-
Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.—
KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT,
Kansas City Star,
18 May 2026
Verb
-
The weakened 65-year-old cartel will remain with its five original members—Iran, Iraq, and Venezuela, as well as the Saudis and Kuwaitis—and six oil-producing African nations.—
Jordan Blum,
Fortune,
19 May 2026
-
This can weaken and compromise your home’s structural integrity, which could lead to safety hazards and expensive repairs.—
Nafeesah Allen,
Better Homes & Gardens,
19 May 2026
Verb
-
This one hails from Memphis and excludes a sauce altogether — although feel free to wet your ribs with whatever sauce tickles your fancy.—
John Metcalfe,
Mercury News,
19 May 2026
-
Avoid wetting foliage when watering plants or water in the morning if using overhead sprinklers to help minimize foliar disease.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
13 May 2026
Verb
-
Exposing the dental pulp and cleaning out the cavity’s contents also would have deadened the nerves and blood vessels there, leading to pain relief, Zubova said.—
Ashley Strickland,
CNN Money,
13 May 2026
-
Another suggestion was requiring special sound-deadening balls, currently available, that lower the decibel levels considerably.—
John Ramos,
CBS News,
16 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Dampen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dampen. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
